Dimapur, November 1: Following reports of forced occupation of church building in Mekokla village under Wokha district by personnel of 28 Assam Rifles, Mekokla Students’ Union (MSU) has accused the Assam Rifles of violation the strictures laid down by the Supreme Court of India and sought the intervention of the State Governor to take action against the perpetrators in accordance with the law.
In a representation to the Governor, MSU apprised that on October 22 at around 8:30 PM, troops of 28 Assam Rifle in full combat-mode occupied the Mekokla Baptist Church and made the church their base-camp to carry out military operation in the area.
It said sensing impropriety of their presence in the church premises, the church pastor denied them access citing that church cannot be used for military purpose. However, the AR commander insisted on camping in the premises, while threatening the pastor to certain extent that Mekokla village falls under his jurisdiction saying he can do as he likes and that his decisions should be binding on the village.MSU president Benrithung Kikon and the general secretary Zirenthung Yanthan said the forceful occupation and arbitrary action of the 28 AR against the wishes of the pastor and members of the church had deeply hurt the sentiment of the people as the church is a sacred place of worship - highly respected and revered by all section of the society.
It pointed out that church constitutes a cultural and spiritual heritage of peoples which enjoy full protection and immunity from use for military purposes as it is considered objects of great importance to the cultural heritage of every people. It, therefore, said 28 AR’s action was in sheer violation of the various covenants and international principles of human rights and the resolutions and protocols adopted by the United Nations in protecting places of worship and educational institutions for military purpose. It said military use of place of worship can put these premises at high risks of vulnerability and also undermines the secular principles enshrined in the Constitution of India.
In the light of the above state circumstances, MSU appealed to the Governor to take appropriate measures to deter and curtail military use of place of worship by security forces, including military, para-military and police consistent with UN Security Council resolutions.
